Prospect Info: 2022 - 1st OA] Juraj Slafkovsky (LW) Part 3

[ChesterNimitz]

Say everything you want or need to say about Slaf good or bad.

Watch game

Say 95% of the same things you said before all over again

repeat

I'm starting to believe that you guys don't really care about Slaf at all but just like listening to yourself talk.

Maybe they are the only one listening.

 

[Egresch]

Joe Thornton had 7 points in 55 games in his first NHL season as 18y old. Lecavalier had 28 points in 82 games. I am not saying he should stay in NHL, but as long as he keeps progressing and he is not frustrated with his role and ice-time, it does not really matter for his long term development.

 

[ReHabs]

Joe Thornton had 7 points in 55 games in his first NHL season as 18y old. Lecavalier had 28 points in 82 games. I am not saying he should stay in NHL, but as long as he keeps progressing and he is not frustrated with his role and ice-time, it does not really matter for his long term development.

Joe Thornton had, in the OHL, 122 points in his draft year, and 19 points in 11 playoff games to boot.

There was no question that he knew how to put up points and he knew how to make plays.

Vincent Lecavalier had, in the QMJHL, 115 points in his draft year, and 41 points in 18 playoff games to boot.

There was no question that he knew how to put up points and he knew how to make plays.

Juraj Slafkovsky had 18 points in 11 games in TPS U20 games and 10 points in 31 games for TPS proper in Liiga in his draft year. In the playoffs he had 7 points in 18 games. Is 18 points in 11 U20 games good? I'm not sure, because the year before he had just 13 points in 16 games for the U20 team.

Putting aside games he played at 'midget' level, he's not a known quantity as a point producer. The comparisons to Thornton and Lecavalier don't help him look better. It is perfectly fine if he has a smoother trajectory but to deny that he's far behind is strange, to me. He is far behind NHL readiness if his role is to be a vedette not a background actor.

 

[HuGort]

I think in junior would been best. Guhle was final cut last year and it benefitted him. He good year with Oil Kings and was outstanding in playoffs and memorial cup tourny. Seemed like playoffs/memorial cup was his maturing.

A lot of high picks benefitted from going back to junior. Huberdeau did it. Get Slaf more use to NA ice.

 

[BehindTheTimes]

I think in junior would been best. Guhle was final cut last year and it benefitted him. He good year with Oil Kings and was outstanding in playoffs and memorial cup tourny. Seemed like playoffs/memorial cup was his maturing.

A lot of high picks benefitted from going back to junior. Huberdeau did it. Get Slaf more use to NA ice.

Blasphemy, you can’t say that here. In order to be a real Habs fan and supportive of Slaf you must continue to pretend he belongs and looks good at the NHL level. If you’re not a denialist like golden hands you should become a kraken fan.

 

[Ozolynch]

Joe Thornton had, in the OHL, 122 points in his draft year, and 19 points in 11 playoff games to boot.

There was no question that he knew how to put up points and he knew how to make plays.

Vincent Lecavalier had, in the QMJHL, 115 points in his draft year, and 41 points in 18 playoff games to boot.

There was no question that he knew how to put up points and he knew how to make plays.

Juraj Slafkovsky had 18 points in 11 games in TPS U20 games and 10 points in 31 games for TPS proper in Liiga in his draft year. In the playoffs he had 7 points in 18 games. Is 18 points in 11 U20 games good? I'm not sure, because the year before he had just 13 points in 16 games for the U20 team.

Putting aside games he played at 'midget' level, he's not a known quantity as a point producer. The comparisons to Thornton and Lecavalier don't help him look better. It is perfectly fine if he has a smoother trajectory but to deny that he's far behind is strange, to me. He is far behind NHL readiness if his role is to be a vedette not a background actor.

And how exactly do points in D0 matter now? He is already a Hab, so the argument that "he has to show that he can produce" is not really relevant. Players can develop without scoring every night, MSL can develop him just as much(if not better) as Houle can, 4th line experience is higher or at the very least equal to Laval 1st in terms of quality of the game, so the question really what is the mental impact if a prospect is not put into spotlight from day 1.

Thornton, Lecavalier and others have shown that it is possible, and if the management thinks that it won´t hurt his confidence(which i think based on his personality and that he was in the same situation last year in TPS is also already an answered question), the debate between the nhl and minors is moot and he should stay up

 

[Habs Halifax]

I never said nobody believes in him, so if I had said it it would be BS.

What you said... "Because nobody actually believes he was anything more than a massive gamble"

Had to use the word "Massive" to reinforce you disbelieve eh? .

 

[NORiculous]

So far he looks more in the range of Turner Stevenson but hopefully a good AHL year will change that.

 

[Adam Michaels]

At this moment, the question I'm asking myself is if it's better for Slaf to simply continue getting NHL reps or if he's better off sent down to Laval, where I know it won't hurt him going down, but maybe even in a limited TOI, him getting NHL reps is beneficial.

Lafrenière didn't flourish his first year. But the Rangers kept him in the NHL in a limited role and ice time. It's been a slow build with him and last year in the playoffs, he was real good. And he's off to a good start to the season this year.

Jack Hughes also didn't flourish his first year. But he was never sent down to the AHL (as he was eligible once he turned pro). The Devils kept him in the NHL and he got all his reps. He also wasn't granted top line minutes either.

This isn't to say he should stay in the NHL no matter what. It's just at this moment, I'm asking myself if regardless of his spot in the line-up, maybe he's still better off staying up. Maybe in a few games, I will be convinced he needs to be sent down.

 

[salbutera]

At this moment, the question I'm asking myself is if it's better for Slaf to simply continue getting NHL reps or if he's better off sent down to Laval, where I know it won't hurt him going down, but maybe even in a limited TOI, him getting NHL reps is beneficial.

Lafrenière didn't flourish his first year. But the Rangers kept him in the NHL in a limited role and ice time. It's been a slow build with him and last year in the playoffs, he was real good. And he's off to a good start to the season this year.

Jack Hughes also didn't flourish his first year. But he was never sent down to the AHL (as he was eligible once he turned pro). The Devils kept him in the NHL and he got all his reps. He also wasn't granted top line minutes either.

This isn't to say he should stay in the NHL no matter what. It's just at this moment, I'm asking myself if regardless of his spot in the line-up, maybe he's still better off staying up. Maybe in a few games, I will be convinced he needs to be sent down.

I compare Slaf’s situation to Pastrnak’s 18-year old season w Bruins - started season w Bs, 3rd / 4th line to get acclimated to NHL game, sent down to AHL just prior to US Thanksgiving, as game intensity picked up, and called back up post trade deadline as he was performing well in Providence

I suspect that might be a solid blueprint to consider.

 

[Habs Halifax]

At this moment, the question I'm asking myself is if it's better for Slaf to simply continue getting NHL reps or if he's better off sent down to Laval, where I know it won't hurt him going down, but maybe even in a limited TOI, him getting NHL reps is beneficial.

Lafrenière didn't flourish his first year. But the Rangers kept him in the NHL in a limited role and ice time. It's been a slow build with him and last year in the playoffs, he was real good. And he's off to a good start to the season this year.

Jack Hughes also didn't flourish his first year. But he was never sent down to the AHL (as he was eligible once he turned pro). The Devils kept him in the NHL and he got all his reps. He also wasn't granted top line minutes either.

This isn't to say he should stay in the NHL no matter what. It's just at this moment, I'm asking myself if regardless of his spot in the line-up, maybe he's still better off staying up. Maybe in a few games, I will be convinced he needs to be sent down.

Is there the right talent for Slaf to work with in Laval? Who would be his center and do you have confidence he develops well with the talent surrounding him?

He could go from being pass happy in the NHL to puck turnover machine in Laval cause he tries too much... due to lack of confidence in who he is playing with. Not saying our Laval assets are garbage but I ponder this situation for Slaf. Development is important and one area is proper environment and players to feed off of.

I prefer not to rag doll him in different environments. Stability is key. I believe he is tracking AHL but we have injuries so he gets to play. Once he goes to the AHL, he should stay for the entire season but I would love to know if we have the right pieces for him to be around in Laval. I would trust Gorton/Hughes/MSL on that.

If our Laval system had a young Suzuki at center also developing, it would be a no brainer for me to send Slaf to the AHL. With the Habs, we are not competing for playoffs so we can allow him to gain more confidence in the NHL as long as he is not drowning. To some he is drowning but I wonder what MSL and our management thinks.

 

[Habs Icing]

At this moment, the question I'm asking myself is if it's better for Slaf to simply continue getting NHL reps or if he's better off sent down to Laval, where I know it won't hurt him going down, but maybe even in a limited TOI, him getting NHL reps is beneficial.

Lafrenière didn't flourish his first year. But the Rangers kept him in the NHL in a limited role and ice time. It's been a slow build with him and last year in the playoffs, he was real good. And he's off to a good start to the season this year.

Jack Hughes also didn't flourish his first year. But he was never sent down to the AHL (as he was eligible once he turned pro). The Devils kept him in the NHL and he got all his reps. He also wasn't granted top line minutes either.

This isn't to say he should stay in the NHL no matter what. It's just at this moment, I'm asking myself if regardless of his spot in the line-up, maybe he's still better off staying up. Maybe in a few games, I will be convinced he needs to be sent down.

I would send him down to Laval. It looks like everything is a half step ahead of him. He needs to adjust to the North American game and ice surface. He doesn't look exactly lost on the ice but he does look like he is a step or a reflex behind the play.

 

[Adam Michaels]

Is there the right talent for Slaf to work with in Laval? Who would be his center and do you have confidence he develops well with the talent surrounding him?

He could go from being pass happy in the NHL to puck turnover machine in Laval cause he tries too much... due to lack of confidence in who he is playing with. Not saying our Laval assets are garbage but I ponder this situation for Slaf. Development is important and one area is proper environment and players to feed off of.

I prefer not to rag doll him in different environments. Stability is key. I believe he is tracking AHL but we have injuries so he gets to play. Once he goes to the AHL, he should stay for the entire season but I would love to know if we have the right pieces for him to be around in Laval. I would trust Gorton/Hughes/MSL on that.

If our Laval system had a young Suzuki at center also developing, it would be a no brainer for me to send Slaf to the AHL. With the Habs, we are not competing for playoffs so we can allow him to gain more confidence in the NHL as long as he is not drowning. To some he is drowning but I wonder what MSL and our management thinks.

I'm not worried about who he'll play with in Laval. They have good players there that will help Slaf and he won't be on his own and be too good for others to keep up. They have vets at center like Belzile, Richard, Stephens. They also have a young hungry center in Mysak. But more than just his centers, he has guys like RHP and Ylonen as possible line mates.

But what I'm wondering is if he's better off there or if he's better off in the NHL, even on a 4th line. Because to me, if he's on a 4th line with guys like Evans and Pitlick, I won't be worried. Because Evans & Pitlick are good players that create offensively and are responsible defensively.

 

[Habs Halifax]

I would send him down to Laval. It looks like everything is a half step ahead of him. He needs to adjust to the North American game and ice surface. He doesn't look exactly lost on the ice but he does look like he is a step or a reflex behind the play.

He needs to be more physical and engage contact first. And to be a bit more selfish with the puck along the walls. Thinking pass too much vs using his body leverage to cut to the net. If you don't try, you will never get better at it.

Initiating contract first does wonders for a power forward type.

 

[Leon Lucius Black]

I would keep him in the NHL, mainly as I trust MSL to help him develop more than I trust Houle.

He's not going to be gifted minutes in the NHL, but his competition on the left side are plugs like Drouin, Hoffman and Dadonov so he has opportunities to move up once he shows improvements.

Right now I'd keep him with Evans, but put Pitlick on the other side instead of Hoffman. That line would be hard working and would play a simplified north-south game.

 

[salbutera]

I would keep him in the NHL, mainly as I trust MSL to help him develop more than I trust Houle.

He's not going to be gifted minutes in the NHL, but his competition on the left side are plugs like Drouin, Hoffman and Dadonov so he has opportunities to move up once he shows improvements.

Right now I'd keep him with Evans, but put Pitlick on the other side instead of Hoffman. That line would be hard working and would play a simplified north-south game.

Scott Pellerin has development responsibilities for AHL prospects w Adam Nicholas. Houles impact will be game management - TOI and game situational growth opportunities

 

[BLONG7]

Keep him for a few more games, but seriously it looks like he would benefit from going down to Laval.
The next couple of games could change things, but....................

 

[ReHabs]

And how exactly do points in D0 matter now? He is already a Hab, so the argument that "he has to show that he can produce" is not really relevant. Players can develop without scoring every night, MSL can develop him just as much(if not better) as Houle can, 4th line experience is higher or at the very least equal to Laval 1st in terms of quality of the game, so the question really what is the mental impact if a prospect is not put into spotlight from day 1.

Thornton, Lecavalier and others have shown that it is possible, and if the management thinks that it won´t hurt his confidence(which i think based on his personality and that he was in the same situation last year in TPS is also already an answered question), the debate between the nhl and minors is moot and he should stay up

I agree players can develop without putting up numbers but Slaf has never shown he can put up the sort of numbers needed that indicate future NHL success

Vinny and Joe both were phenoms in Jr. and put up bundles of points. Not so Slaf.

That isn't to say Slaf won't ever put up points -- Pasternak is a good example of someone who did that. Pasta had 24pts in 36 SEL games in his draft year however...

 

[Adam Michaels]

Scott Pellerin has development responsibilities for AHL prospects w Adam Nicholas. Houles impact will be game management - TOI and game situational growth opportunities

Pellerin and Nicholas will also work with the NHL players, not just in the AHL.

 

[GettingYourMoms]

I compare Slaf’s situation to Pastrnak’s 18-year old season w Bruins - started season w Bs, 3rd / 4th line to get acclimated to NHL game, sent down to AHL just prior to US Thanksgiving, as game intensity picked up, and called back up post trade deadline as he was performing well in Providence

I suspect that might be a solid blueprint to consider.

Pastrnak looked way better than Slafkovsky when he was 18.

 

[Perrah]

I think in junior would been best. Guhle was final cut last year and it benefitted him. He good year with Oil Kings and was outstanding in playoffs and memorial cup tourny. Seemed like playoffs/memorial cup was his maturing.

A lot of high picks benefitted from going back to junior. Huberdeau did it. Get Slaf more use to NA ice.

Do you think Guhle would have been in AHL or CHL if he could have went to either?

 

[Habs Halifax]

Knowing what you know today... Who would you have picked #1OA?

Slaf, Nemec, Cooley, Wright? @WeThreeKings ... Your boy Cooley may be the best when it's all said and done.

Not like I dislike Slaf. It's early. Just wondering who stands out more than the other today?

 

[Mrb1p]

Knowing what you know today... Who would you have picked #1OA?

Slaf, Nemec, Cooley, Wright?

Nothing has changed so far.

Jiriceks looking like the injury slowed him down a good bit and Nazars injury are the only additional info we have.

 

[Habs Halifax]

Nothing has changed so far.

Jiriceks looking like the injury slowed him down a good bit and Nazars injury are the only additional info we have.

Fair. It's too early. What a shitty year to draft #1OA. Looks like a bunch of 2nd tier talent to me. We will see cause we will only know for a few years yet.

Cooley is off to a hot start in the NCAA. Not really fair to compare NCAA to AHL/NHL but worth noting.

 

[DAChampion]

Of the three, Galchenyuk looked the best at 18 where he had incredible 5on5 ES stats, then Kotkaniemi, then Slafkovsky, but this was expected, and we'll see. It's early in the year.